Ward-based/ Meet & Greet volunteer
Place of volunteering: Ward 1 & Reception QMH
When did you start volunteering?
I started in May 2022.
Why did you get involved with volunteering?
I wanted to get involved in volunteering with NHS Fife to acquire hospital work experience to support my medical school applications. I also used the experiences to determine if healthcare is the industry I want to work in. Offering some form of help to the NHS, especially considering the strain its under, was also a big part of why I wanted to volunteer.
What do you get out of/enjoy about volunteering?
I have learnt quite a lot about myself and what a career in healthcare involves through my time as a volunteer. From the importance of strong communication skills, empathy and teamwork on patient outcomes, to what I would find to be the less glamorous parts of working in a hospital. Despite the challenges, the reward of being trusted to help individuals in my community during a vulnerable and scary time for them makes the work worth it.
Do you have any reflections you would share about your volunteering experience, and would you recommend volunteering to other?
The NHS Fife volunteering team is a fantastic and supportive bunch, so whether you want to offer a helping hand to your local hospital or build essential experiences to support your future aspirations then give them an email.